Official Home Gym Building Thread

kevsonkip said:
Hi Guys.
I was sent this thread from a friend and have read it through trying to take everything on board.
I’m planning to build a gym in my house. (12 x 7 ft room) I’ve ordered some rubber mats so now I need equipment.
I can’t get to a gym in my lunch break like I’ve always used to, and nothing is close for evenings.

My question is, is it worth spending the extra money on Heavy Duty parts if I know I won’t reach that level? I’m 5’10, 80kg and like to build lean muscle.
For example I want CF375 with pulleys, as I won’t squat more than the 180kg limit.
http://www.powerhouse-fitness.co.uk/bodymax-cf375-power-rack-system-with-latlow-pulley.php
Is this a good enough reason not to buy the CF475?
Same with the bench. Can I get away with the £95 bench as the most I’ve pressed is 80kg.
http://www.powerhouse-fitness.co.uk/bodymax-cf328-deluxe-flat-incline-decline-utility-bench.php
Or should I buy the Heavy duty £150 one
http://www.powerhouse-fitness.co.uk/bodymax-cf430-heavy-duty-flatinclinedecline-bench.php

Finally, I’m also planning to buy the BodyMax adjustable dumbbells (32.5kg) for pure convenience. Is this a wise move? I read a couple of people suggesting the Ironmasters. But they’re more expensive and don’t look very convenient.

If anyone can help me choose as I’m battling with my conscience about spending more money than necessary. If I take the Heavy duty rack/bench, I’ll want the 90kg upgrade etc, so the price could spiral.
I could get a deal for £800 for a rack, weights, dumbbells, bench. Or end up with a £1300+ bill.
Please help! Say it’s okay to get the non heavy duty parts. I’ll even post photos once its done ?
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Go for the CF475 imo, allows you room to grow and while you may not be at the limit of the catchers I can only assume a little too much height should you need to dump the weight could cause problems.

I got this package and have been very impressed with it despite some issues with the barbell/collars. Still not actually built the pulley system even now (a year down the line!)
 
kevsonkip said:
I wanted the pully for lat/tri pulldowns, seated rows and cable raises.

I suppose I dont need it yet, but on the other hand I could have the 'kids' rack and pully for the price of just the 'adult' rack.

Its not really that money is tight, its more of I'm tight with money. :)

Why would you get the heavy stuff?
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Well I would get the heavy stuff because it can handle more weight and in a few years you might need that.

Plus my friend has the CF475 and I know that its decent quality especially for the price. The CF375 looks quite flimsy though I've not seen it in the flesh.

You don't really need the lat tower. Get the dip attachments for the CF475. Then you can do Chins, Dips and Barbell Rows instead of all that cable gayness.
 
Here's what I quickly specced out. Will probably need some dumbbell handles at some point and a little more weight.

phf.png
 
LiE...I would say one thing...ive used a couple of the Bodymax frames (not sure what versions..cheepish though)...and they OK, but not the best. However others might know the exact model above and could recommend it. For the kind of weight you lifting, do not skrimp on the rack.
Years back I bought a body solid one, Ill link below...and that thing is stable as a rock, far beter than the cheaper BM ones for sure. The pulley attachment is great also...but you do pay more for this obviously. I think the rack and selector weights was over 300kg alone :)

http://www.fitness-superstore.co.uk..._and_selectorised_lat_attachment/13156_p.html

Im not bashing the one you chose, just makeing a point about getting the best you can :)

I posted some pic of my setup on the 1st page in this thread a long time back.
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=19035751&postcount=6

You are also doing the right thing buying the more expensive rubber plates.
 
Thanks toxic. I figured the rubber would take more abuse being slammed into the ground.

I think the CF475 is quite well regarded, quite a few people in this thread have one.
 
LiE said:
Thanks toxic. I figured the rubber would take more abuse being slammed into the ground.

I think the CF475 is quite well regarded, quite a few people in this thread have one.
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ye..maybe like I said...it was maybe cheaper models I used...but they wobbled!!! LOL so just make sure :D

There is this one also

http://www.fitness-superstore.co.uk/power_cages/bodysolid_commercial_power_rack/7107_p.html

and the powertech always get get reviews

http://www.fitness-superstore.co.uk/power_cages/powertec_workbench_power_rack_black_/13503_p.html

I should have spent a bit more money and bought some rubber bumpers also.
 
LiE said:
Toxic what did you use for matting? I need something that will be OK for dumping a heavy deadlift down.
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I used a pile of this cheap stuff...

http://www.ukfitnesssupplies.co.uk/products-High-Impact-Protective-Matting-Pack-of-6-Tiles_MAT1.htm

its no use for heavy deads like you will be doing though. The weight will just go through it in no time. I filled a big area..and was trying to keep cost down at the time and its lasted 4-5 years so far...so not too bad.
If I was doing again..i would make an area for thick high impact stuff also. probably an area big enough for deads with something like this..

http://www.gymratz.co.uk/powerlifter-rubber-flooring

there is loads more though...look arround for deals and the beter stuff is quite expensive

Ive seen a lot of people build a wooden area in garages for stuff like deads, if your that way inclined, might be an option....(not me, im a lazy ass :))

also...are you used to benching in a rack? I dont lift as heavy as you, but...sometimes the angles aren not as god for lifting the weight up yourself, ie..spotter needed. I cant imagine trying to lift 150Kg of mine for singles etc. Just a pont to think about...or try more next time u in gym. Stand alone benches are superior.
 
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ye.not bad i guess. Looks good..and youll feel like a boss lifting them :D

Thing is..the stuff will last you years and years if you can see yourself doing in the long run...so buy best what you can afford just now..and you can always add little bits every couple of months if you need.
The best thing I did was to pay out a load of money for a lot of kit...now when Im lazy and cant be assed I think..man I payed for all that, I need to use it..and end up training. So..its good for motivation also :D
 
Howdy :)

Looking to get some "budget" equipment for SL5x5, I've been doing it for just over a fortnight now with some ultra-noob York barbell, but I'm cleaning the barbell over my head for squats, so I'm going to need a rack to progress any further. Will be using my garage, so room isn't too much of an issue, although I'll need mats as the flooring is concrete and slightly bumpy.

Does this look acceptable, bearing in mind it'll be a while before I can actually lift 100kg?

bnlo70P.png

Are there any pros/cons with the Half Cage compared to a Full Cage?

Cheers :)
 
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